Region: The US is increasingly shifting towards a training and logistical support role in counter terrorism and anti-militancy efforts in the region. (NYT)

Egypt: The first woman to head a political party in the country expressed concern that a return to military rule could threaten democracy. (AFP)

Nigeria: Unknown gunmen attacked a community in Plateau state, shooting indiscriminately and causing an unknown number of casualties. (Xinhua)

Sudan: The UN reported that fighting in South Darfur State has displaced more than 15,000 people. (Xinhua)

Sudan, South: Fighting broke out in a military barracks in Juba. (AFP)

AMERICAS

Mexico: Authorities have stepped up efforts to crack down on the Knights Templar gang with arrests and seizures this week aimed at the gang’s illicit mining operation. (NYT)

Nicaragua: The country shrugged off the idea of Russia building a military resupply base in the country after a suggestion last week by the Russian defense chief. (AFP)

Puerto Rico: Federal authorities seized USD 30 million worth of cocaine and charged two men with drug smuggling. (AP)

United States: The Missile Defense Agency mapped out plans to overhaul the ground-based US missile defense system managed by Boeing Co and improve its reliability after several test failures in recent years. (Reuters)

ASIA

Region: Japan called China’s opaque military spending a “concern” for the world community after Beijing revealed a 12.2% budget hike. (AFP)

Afghanistan: President Karzai’s brother is preparing to withdraw from the presidential elections, according to a rival candidate. (Reuters)

India: The government has set 07APR as the start of parliamentary elections. (AFP)

Pakistan: Negotiators for the government and the country’s main Taliban faction are to meet today to restart peace talks. (AFP)

Thailand: Hundreds of anti-government protesters marched on the headquarters of the ruling party while rice farmers remained camped in another part of the capital demanding money owed by the state. (Reuters)

EUROPE

Georgia: The EU signed two funding agreements in Tbilisi to support the country’s public finances reform. (Xinhua)

Russia: The government sold a record USD 11.3 billion in foreign currency to support the ruble on 03MAR. (AFP)

Turkey: PM Erdogan said he was ready to step down if his ruling party failed to win key local elections later this month. (AFP)

Turkey: The European Commission launched an investigation into allegations that a government agency misused EU funds. (AFP)

MIDDLE EAST

Region: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates recalled their ambassadors from Qatar in protest at its interference in their internal affairs. (AFP)